New Guitar Hero Controller Releasing for the Wii in 2025

Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer: A New Guitar Hero Controller for the Wii

A new Guitar Hero controller, the Hyper Strummer, is hitting the market on January 8th, 2025. Priced at $76.99 on Amazon, this Wii-compatible peripheral is a surprising release given the age of both the console and the Guitar Hero franchise.

The Wii's popularity peaked years ago, with production ceasing in 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero game was released in 2015, and the series' final Wii appearance was 2010's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer, however, offers a compelling proposition for a specific niche audience. This updated guitar controller is compatible with various Wii titles, including Guitar Hero games and several Rock Band installments (Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band), excluding the original Rock Band. The controller utilizes a Wii Remote, inserted into the back for functionality.

The Appeal of Retro Gaming and Renewed Interest

The target audience for this controller seems clear: retro gamers. Older Guitar Hero and Rock Band controllers often suffer wear and tear, leading to unplayable peripherals. The Hyper Strummer provides a viable alternative for those who have long since abandoned the games due to broken controllers or the unavailability of replacements.

Furthermore, the recent resurgence of interest in rhythm games, fueled by elements like Fortnite's Rock Band-style gameplay and the ongoing challenge runs within the Guitar Hero community, makes a reliable, new controller an attractive prospect. For players aiming for perfect scores or completing challenging playthroughs, the Hyper Strummer's consistent input is a significant advantage.